Swelling in your feet, ankles and hands is a normal part of pregnancy

Swelling in your feet, ankles and hands is a normal part of pregnancy. It is due to the excess fluid that is held in your body and the increase in blood volume. Swelling can be pretty uncomfortable, especially at the end of the day or if you have been standing for too long! Swelling can sometimes however be an indication of a problem. A sudden extreme case of swelling that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of a condition called pre-eclampsia (see my previous post on signs and symptoms) Any incidence of swelling should be mentioned to your care provider for this reason. You can ease normal pregnancy swelling by not standing for long periods, wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, drinking plenty as this flushes out excess water believe it or not, keep your feet elevated when they become too swollen, go for short walks once a day. Swelling may continue for a little while after the birth, especially if you have IV fluids during labour or caesarean. . . . . . #pregnancy #swelling #midwifemarley #pregnancyproblems #preeclampsia #pregnancylife #pregnant